What Are The Best Industrial/Organizational Psychology Programs in the Country?

Industrial and Organizational Psychology is a rapidly growing specialty field in the wider field of psychology. For students with a desire to enter this exciting field, a degree from of the nations leading programs is a great way to create employment opportunities.

What is Industrial/Organizational Psychology?

While most people are familiar with the wider field of psychology, what they may not know is how many specialty fields comprise this larger field. One of the most popular sub-fields is Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I-O). This field is seeing some of the greatest amount of growth among all specialty areas in psychology. I–O is the empirical investigation of human behavior in the workplace, applying psychological theories and principles to organizations. You will sometimes hear I-O Psychology referred to as occupational psychology, work psychology, WO psychology, IWO psychology and business psychology.

What are the Best Industrial/Organizational Degree Programs?

According to the US News and World Report list of the best Industrial/Organizational Psychology Graduate Programs, there are four educational leaders in this field. These programs include:

Tied for #1 – Michigan State University – Located in East Lansing, Michigan

Tied for #1 – University of Minnesota – Twin Cities Campus – Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota

#3 – Bowling Green State University – Located in Bowling Green, Ohio

#4 – University of South Florida – Located in Tampa, Florida

How Much Will a Graduate Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Cost?

The cost of a graduate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology varies depending on several factors. Some of the most pertinent include, the school you choose, the specific area in which you will work and where in the country you earn your degree. One of the most important factors is what level of degree you choose to pursue. A master’s degree in this field will cost significantly less than a doctoral degree. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) the average annual tuition for state residents enrolled in a public master’s degree program was $5,343 in 2008-2009, which was a rise from tuition data reported in 2007-2008 ($4,590). The annual tuition rates for nonresidents were approximately three times the resident amount, at $13,088. For students enrolled in doctoral programs the APA stated that the median annual tuition for state residents enrolled in a public doctoral departments was $7,104 in 2008-2009, which was an increase from tuition data reported in 2007-2008 ($6,819). Annual tuition rates for nonresidents were $16,966.

Programs nationally recognized for excellence will help students earning a graduate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology drastically increase their chances of finding the perfect job. These are four of the best programs in the country. For more information on the best Industrial/Organizational Psychology graduate programs check out the US News and World Report list of top programs.